CA1223733A - Noise making balloon valve - Google Patents

Abstract

NOISE MAKING BALLOON VALVE
ABSTRACT

A noise making valve for a toy balloon includes a casing enclosing a moveable valve body and a resonant reed disposed upstream of the valve body. A perforate membrane substantially closing the end of the casing opposite the balloon is depressable to lift the valve body from its seat, causing emission of a tone. The valve body is positively enclosed in the casing, and the reed is protected by folded-over tabs, such that no part of the valve is removable by the user. Safety features also include an enlarged trumpet shape and a restriction preventing a complete sudden ejection of the valve from the balloon.

Description

NOISE MAKING BALLOCN V~LVE
Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention -This invention relates to the field of noise making apparatus for placement in the wall of an inflatable bcdy, check valves for inflating such b3dies, and in particular to a noise making valve for removable use with toy halloons.

2. Description of the Prior Art me general concept of employing a reed in a balloon valve is kncwn in the art. Reference can be made to Offenlegungsschrift 2,107,066, to the present Applicant, for a disclosure of a valve and reed accordLng to this general description. UOS. Patent No.
2,893,165-Bailey teaches the use of a valve and reed apparatus as a signalling device, rather than as a toy. Unfortunately, neither device is useful as a toy because both the devices are enclosed in relatively small cylindrical casings which are quite unsafe for use with toy balloons. Users of toy balloons, usually children, are inclined to dislodge the valve casing from the balloon when inflating or n~nipulating the balloon, and are in danger of inhaling the balloon valve, resulting in injury to he user.
Check valves for balloon inflation, that is, valves without provision for a noise maker, are shcwn in U.S. Patents 1,251,758-Dayton and 1,158,206-Griffith. The valves of these devices are quite small, and ~re entirely enclosed within the neck of the balloon. A resilient flap is mounted in a cylindrical casing to block air flcw axially, through the neck of the balloon. Only the resilient frictional attachment between the balloon neck and the inserted check valve prevents the valve from being immediately ejected, and possibly inhaled by the user. It will be appreciated that the user's usual sequence in blowing up a balloon is to exhale into the balloon and immediately inhale in order to continue filling the balloon.
Therefore, should the user over-inflate the balloon, the valve ~ay be easily ejected just as the user inhales.
Safety is knawn to be a major interest in the design of children's toys in yeneral and balloon valves in particular. Of course, the valve m~st seal dependably and m~st dependably emit noise.
The intexests in safety and usefulness, however, are sonetimes ~,,.
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inadequately served when cost is considered. The nature of the product is such that undue complexity, whether for increased dependability or safety, adds too much expense to justify the improvement. Therefore, it is particularly important in this art that cost be minlmized.
~ ne aforesaid Offenlegungsschrift 2,107,066, to Applicant, employs the general concept of a balloon valve wi-th an anti-ejection feature. At Fig. 10 thereof, a noise maker is included as well. Even with the additional complexity of a three piece case construction, the device of the German patent fails to fully preclude the possibility of ejection and inhalation or swallowing, fails to protect the reed against removal or damage, and fails to provide a dependable seal between the valve body and valve casing.
~ he present invention improves over devices such as those of the prior art in a number of ways. A more-effective valve seal, and protection of the reed add to the dependability of operation. A
flared tnumpet shape at the dcwnstream end of the valve casing is operative as a stable base member, and is also much too large to be inhaled or swallowed. Nevertheless, the user can inflate the balloon directly through the valve casing, stand the balloon on a surface or attach the balloon to a string or stick, cause emission of a noise, and in other respects enjoy all the advantages which might be sought from toy balloons, at minimal expense and inconvenience.

3 ~ ~:23~733 - SUM~R~' Q~ THE INVENTION

It is an ~bject of the invention to pro~ide an i~proved noise m~king balloon valve which is safe and inexpensive.
It is al50 an object of ~he invention to provide a safe, inexpensive noise m2king valve which is entirely dependable for noise ~aking and positive sealing of the inflated balloon.
It is another object Df the invention to achieve the foregoing cbjects in a device wherein the internal workings are ooncealed safely and is~lated frcm inguisitive children.
It is yet another cbject of ~he inventio~ t~ inexpensively protect the internal wor~ings of the valve fro~ rough handlir~ and ~he like.
m ese and other objects are acco~plished by a valve for insertion in the ne~k of a toy balloon, comprising a casing having a balloon-engagable end and a user-acoessible end, the casing aefining an air flow path and having an internal annular surface defining a seat;
a valve body disposed in the casing and mDvable between a closed position in which the valve ~od~ is disposed against the valve seat ~o seal the flow path, and an ~pen positi~n in which the valve body is mDved away fram the valve seat to open the flcw path, the ~al~e body ~eing bia~e~ by gas p~essure in the balloon t~ the closed position when the ~alloon is inflated; and, a resonant reed m~unted in the casing and oper~ble tD emit a n~ise in response to gas flcw. m e casing is preferably flared at the user-accessible end to fonm a trumpet of sufficient size to form a stable base, the trumçet being too big to be s~allcwed even if the valve is suddenly ejected.
me~brane substantially closes the user-accessible end of the casing, the me~brane having a~ le~st one opening tD gas flow and the ne~brane being manually depressable ~o there~y lift the valve body frc~ ~he valve seat. Tabs prDtect the balloon~engagable end of the casing, hDusing the reed, the tabs and me~brane together ooncealing and prDtecting the internal workings. Prom~tional indicia can be ocnveniently print~ed on the inside face of the me~brane if ~ade trrlS)Sparent~ A vi500us, non-drying seal co~pound residing in an annular groove at the valve ~eat provides an absolu~e gasecus seal at th~ relatively 1~ pressures enoountered.
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~ -3- -~L~23~33 BRIEF Dl::SCRIPTl~N OF TlIE` DR~NGS
. _ _ ~ here ar~ sh~ in the drawings the e~diD~ts w~i~h are presently preferred. It shoNld be understood, however, that the invention is not limuted t~ the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a side elevation vie~ of ~n ~esb~iment of the ~alve a~aratt~s accordi.ng to the invention.
~ ig. 2 is a cross ~ectional view of the valve unit of ~'ig. 1, shown fi~ted into a kallo~n and operative $D expel ai r from the ~alloc~.
Fig. 3 is a side elevati~n view of the valve of the invention.
~ ig. 4 is a side elevation view from the opposite side as in Fig.
~ 3 Fig. 5 is a section view taken along lines 5-5 in Fig. 3.
Fig. 6 is a partial section view in accordan oe w~th Fig. 5 shK~Lng the area of the valve seat in detail.
~ ig. 7 is a tsp plan view of the apparat~s of ~he invention.
Pig. ~ is a section view taken along line A-A in ~ig. 1.
~ ig. 9 is a bottom plan view of ~he apparatus of the invention.
Fig. 10 is a ~ottom plan view ~f the apparatus havin~ the bottom membrane removed.
Fig. 11 is a section view taken along lines B-B in ~ig. 1 shcw~ng the attachment ~f the resilient reed nEm~er.
Fig. 12 is a section view taken along lines ~-C in Pig. 1.
Fig. 13 is a sectional vie~ of an alternative enbodime~t of the device, as installed in a balloon.
~ ig. 14 is a partial section view of the devi oe of ~he invention, as attached to a stick.
Pig. 15 is an elevation ~iew of the device acc~rding to Fig. 1, installed in a balloDn.
Fig. 16 is a section view of a p~rt of the valve casing, showing an intenmediate step of nanufacture.
~ ig. 17 is a section view of an alternative embodiment of the valve body ~f the invention.
Pig. 18 is an elevation view of the valve acoording to Fig. 17.
Fig. 19 is a sec*ion Yiew taken along lines D-D in Pig. 17.
Pig. 20 is a section view taken along lines E-E in ~iy. 18.
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~L~ ~ ~ ~3 Fig. 21 is an elevation view ~f the valve, the ballo~n being shcwn in sectian.
~ ig. 22 is a sectional view illustra~ing m stallation ~f the device of the invention.
~ ig. Z3 is a perspective view of the device of the inventian.
~ ig. 24 is a perspective view of the devi oe as installe~, and attached ~D a carrying string.
Fig. 25 is a side elevation view of an alternative enbcdinent of the invention.
~ ig. 26 is a section 1 v~ew ~llustrating installation of the device acoDrding to Fig. 22.
Fig. 27 is a detail sectional view of the devioe according tD the en~odinant of Fig. 25.
Fig. 28 is a side elevation from the right with respect to Fig.
27.
Fig. 29 is a side elevation showIng the co~pleted attachment of kallcon and valve of Fig. 25.
Fig. 30 is a side elevation showing an intermediatie step in ~he attachment of Fig. 29.

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DE~Jn~ED DESCRIPTICN OF ~HE PfiE~3~RED E~E~DI~3~TS
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me device of the invention, as shcwn generally in Fig. 1, ccmprises a casing 30 having an intermediate enlarged portion 32 to be enclosed within ,~he neck o~ a balloon, and a flaring tru~pet portion 36 extending a~ially ~rom thP neck of the balloon.A xetaining mechanism c~l~rising hook 40, ~hich interacts with the external contDur of the casing enlargement 32, prevents oomplete ejection of the devqoe in the event of over-inflation ~r slippage. The device includes a retaIning cleat 46 for attachnE~nt ~ a string and transversely-threaded flange 48 for at~achrr~nt ~ a stick. Preferably, bent over tabs 56 prevent aocess to the i~ternal p~rtions ~f the device frcm the ~alloon side;
and, oDvering m~brane 54 prevents access frcm the user side.
me device may be installed on a deflated balloonj whereupon the user em2loys the valve of the devi oe as a check valve t~ pass air or gas such as helium t~ inflate the balloon, and t~ hold the air or gas against the resilie~t pressure of the stretched balloon material. The devioe can also be installed in an already-inflated ballocn, however, it will be appreciated that steps must be taken to prevent the escape of air or gas during installation. When installed on an inflated balloon, the devi oe may be operated to allow controlled release of ~he air or gas, and emission of a noise.
The internal w~rkings of the valve are shcwn in section in Figure 2. Figure 2 also depicts the ~alve in the open position, that is, while expelling air fro~ balloon 100 through the device of the invention. Balloon 100 is retained on the device of the invention by neck 104 of balloon 100 enclosing the enlarged portion 32 of casing 30. ~eck p~rtion 104, including the rolled edge 102 of the balloon, exerts sufficient pressure radially inwards to preclude aKial ~Dvement of the s~bstantially cylindrical casing 30 with respect to balloon 100. Such axial IT~verr~nt would otherwise cause casing 30 to be ejected fran neck 104 of balloon ll)0.
~ the valve of the invention is ~pened as shown in Fig. 2, a generally axial flow of air ~EraT balloon 1~0 through oasing 3n causes noise due to the vibration of resonas~t reed S0, placed to partially occlude the air flow path. Reed ~0 is ~unted to the casing only at one edge 62, the resonant frequency of reed 60 beir~g determined by the weight, material, and din~nsions of the reed and its connection 62.

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The reed is a relatively delicate portion of the device, ~hich can be m~de inoperative if ~isplaced from its mounting at an area of restricted cross section, and accordingly, tabs 56 are provided to prevent easy access to reed 60.
Casing 30 is preferably formed in two parts, snap fitted together, thereby making it impossible to remove or eject the vable valve body 70. As sho~n in Fig. 2, the upper reed-enclosing position 34 has a downwardly extending flange having an abrupt transition at its edge, over which an upwardly-extending flange of enlargement 32 resiliently locks, the extreme edge of the up~ard flange engaging the transition of the downward flange. Valve body 70 is therefore securely locked between reed enclosing section 34 and enlarged section 32 upon assembly.
Valve body 70 is movable between an upward position as shcwn in Fig. ~, resting against spc~cers 64, and a downward position in which valve body 70 sealably engages casing 30, to prevent the escape of air from baLloon 100. Valve bcdy 70 is depressed into its upward position manually, preferably by pressing the central position of slotted membrane 54.
The external dimensions of the apparatus, as shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, are chosen to provide a sufficient enlargement 32 to engage securely the neck of the balloon. The portion of largest diameter, namely, the opening of the trumpet 36 of casing 30 is chosen to be substantially larger than could be inhaled or swallowed by a child, at least 32 millimeters. Similarly, hook 40 and string cleat 46 are made thick enough, that with due regard to the material from which the unit is made (eg, hard plastic), these protruding portions will not easily break off. m readed flange 48 (shown in Fig. 1~ is of substantially the same thickness as hood 40 and cleat 46.
Before installation or during actual inflation, as shown in Fig.
5, valve body 70 may rest against spacers 64, the valve being open to air flow. After inflation, the pressure of ~; r within balloon 100, d~nward against valve body 70, biases the valve into a closed position. It will be appreciated that when the valve body 70 rests against spacers 64, air may pass be~een the spacers, around the valve body and out of the unit through the trumpet portion. Valve bc~r 70 is co~prised of a circular portion 76 for sealing the valve, and attached d~nwardly-e~tending legs 72, angularly spaced to a:Llcw air ~3~33 flcw w~en the valve is opened. As shown in crDss-section in Fi~. 8, the valve body pre~erabl~r inclu~es three such legs 72, forming a generally-cyliodrical but open-to-air-flcw body.
When the ~alve of the device is ~lose~, valve ~xxdy 7~ rests agaLnst casing 30, sealiny the axial o y ning against passage of gas or air. In Fx~rticular, the downwardly-directed flanged edge 78 ~f valve ~ody 70 fits agaînst a ccmplementarily-shapea valve seat ~2. Valve seat 82 is co~prised of an annular groove 84, in w~ich visc~us, non~drying seal material 86 is disposed. As sh~wn in ~ig. 6, grGOVe ~4 for~ a receptacle for the sealing material 86. ~en valve body 70 and flange 78 rest against valve seat 82, a portion of sealing J~terial 86 is displaced from the annular groove 84, to oontact flange 7B and prevent the passage of air. It will be appreciated that viscous sealin~ material B6 also closes any leaks w~ich w3uld be presented ~y nisalignment or warping in flange 7~, or in burrs or other small imperfections in the interacting portions of the valve.
When the devi oe of th~ invention is rem~ved from the ballcDn, reed 60 is visible, but prote~ted by tabs 56. Three tabs 56 are shown in Fi~. 7. The nu~er allows sufficiently close place~nt of tabs 56 t~ prevent any substantial damage to reed 60 due to inserti~n of fingers, pencils, or other ccmmonly-available cbjects.
Frcm below, the internal wor~ings of the device are also preferably o~scured. As shown in Fig. 9, membrane 54 substantially ccvers the opening fonned by tru~pet 36. A central area 112 of ne~brane 54 is integrally attached t~ the remainder of the nembrane only near the edges of ~he tru~pet, and only at p~rtions of nembrane 54 w~ch are defonnable upwards by means of peripheral slots 114, adjacent edge 116, ~ch portion is actually attached to tru~pet 36.
Slots 110, w*ich define centra~ depressab~e porti~n 112, also divide the remaining portions of membrane 54, to alloh passage of ai r, M~brane 54 nay ke of any air-permeable m~terial, provide~ a sufficient resilien oe is allcwed ~or depressi~n of valve body 70, and also prDvided ~hat the air flcw from a deflating balloon can be acccmnDdat2d. ~br exa~ple, resilient screen na~erial, or other perne~ble material, or perforated m~terial having a centrally mcvable portio~ wcn~ld suffioe.
As shown in Fig. 10, trumpet 36 ends in a edge portion 116, to which membrane 54 may be easilv attached, for example by ~31ue or heat ~2~2~7~

sealing. Similarly, threaded hole 48, provided for attachment to astick, likewise has a peripheral portion which can be glued directly to membrane 54. A ridge 44 may be provided in the contour of trum~et 36, for additional strength.
Fig. 11 shows the spacers 64 and reed 60 from below, and Fig. 12 shows the reed from above. With reference to Fig. 12, reed 60 need only be a movably-attached flap substantially blocking the air passage along the axis of the valve unit. It is presently preferred that reed 60 be an integral part of the reed enclosure portion 34 of casing 30, folded over at a relatively-thin connection 62, whereby reed 60 is resiliently-mounted. Passage of air around reed 60 causes the reed to vibrate between a more open position in which air flow presses it downwards, and a more closed position in which air flow becames restricted, thereby decreasing the pressure and continuing vibration of the reed in its orifice.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 13.
In this embodiment, recommended for use with balloons having oversized neck openings, an extending annular flange 120, attached to casing 30 adjacent hook 40, provides further safety against accidental ejection of the balloon valveD In order to be ejected from balloon lOQ, casing 30 must be displaced axially, allowing balloon 100 to slip axially backwards. As a result of extending flange 120, any such axial movement must be acco~panied by a radial outward movement of the enlarged edge 102 of balloon 100. m is movement is exactly what is restricted by hook 40, thereby making the embodiment of Fig. 13 particularly safe against ejection. m e same phenomena, that is, restriction of the tubular edge 102 of balloon 100, is operative to a greater or lesser extent in all the disclosed embodlments hereof. me basic embodirent, shcwn in Fig. 15, likewise employs hook 40 to prevent complete ejection by holding edge 102 of balloon 100 against movement. Even if the device is partially ejected from balloon 100, hook 40 will retain at least a portion of edge 102, such that the user is not in danger of inhaling or ~allowing the devi oe .
In addition to the safety provision of hood 40, casing 30 (in particular trumpet 36), is provided with a threaded hole 48, for interaction with a balloon-holding stick 50, and also with a cleat 46, to be attached to a string. As shown in Fig. 14, stick 50 is preferably attached to threaded hole 48'by means of an additional _9_ /

~2~3'733 threaded end 52 for stick 50. End 52 and stick 50 may be attached by gluing.
As noted hereinabove, reed 60 is preferably made as an integral part of the reed enclosing portion 34 of casing 30, and is attached thereto by means of a relatively small connesting portion 62. This portion is more easily molded if tabs 56 are bent over after molding, as sh~n in Fig. 16. Inasmuch as the entire device is preferably formed of plastic, tabs 56 can normally be deformed into protective position by heating and bending them inwards. A similar operation can be employed if desired to displace the body of reed 60 slightly from the orifice in reed enclosure member 34 in which the reed vibrates.
Figs. 17-20 illustrate an alternative embodiment of valve body 70. As shcwn in Figs. 17-20 valve body 124, unlike valve body 70, employs a plurality of light weight connection members 126 ~etween the circular valve portion 76 and the portion of valve body 124 which is manually depressable by the user. In other respects, valve body 124 operates much the same as valve body 70 in that a flanged edge 78 cooperates with a complementarily shaped valve seat having an annular groove and viscous non-drying material. m e leg portions 126 leave an open area for air flow and can even be used to surround a transversely-disposed pin (not shcwn), making further captive of valve body 124.
A comparison of Figs. 21 and 22 illustrates the partial ejection of the device from balloon 100. Even when air pressure within balloon 100 becGmes sufficient to force enlarged portion 32 of casing 30 through the opening defined by the balloon neck, hook 40 nevertheless retains at least a portion of balloon 100, and especially rolled edge 102, which remains confined between hook 40 and enlargement 32.
The overall device as shown in perspective in Figs. 23 and 24.
As noted, the external dimensions m~st be large enough to preclude inhalation or swallowing. It will be appreciated that the device can otherwise be d~mensioned in accordance with the expected si~e of balloons, the only requirement being that the balloon neck be stretched substantially in order to provide sufficient pressure over enlarged portion 32 to prevent ejection of the device. Although hook 40 will prevent full ejection, reliable operation requires that such ejection be an m frequent occurrence in any event.
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37~3 . The ~langed po~ti~n f~rmLng strIng cleat 46, ho~k 40 and ~hreaded stick-engaging nEn~er ~8 are all preferably placed alDng the saT~e diameter to assist in the lding operation. Enlarged p~rtion 32 preferably snap ~its ~ver the reed-enclosing portiGn 34 of casing 30, very positively connecting the casing parts :32, 34 around ~alYe body 70. In this nanner, not only are the reed and valve body safe from damage, but they cannot be broken off or rem~ved and swallowea.
Ihe devi oe of the invention is, of course, egually applicable ~o helium balloons. A string 130 is provided with a loop ~ ich nay be sim~ly passed cver string cleat ~6. Althcugh the balloDn tends to rise vertically, the slightly off-axis placement of cleat ~6 is such that the larger portion of cleat 46 easily retains ~he string, against the tendency of the balloon to rise.
An alternative embodiment of the inventi~n is shcwn in Figs.
25-30. ~ook 134, having a thin and resilientA end portion, is closely disposed against enlarged portion 32 of casing 30. The spacing between ho~k 139 and casing 32 is quite small, and hook 134 must be actually deforned in order to force edge ~02 of balloon 110 into the (engaged area between hook 134 and casing 30. As shown in Pig~ 25, casing 30 is preferably provided with an indented area ayainst w~ich hook 134 is closely disposed. Fig. 27 illustrates the cloæ
positioning ~f hock 134 and casing 3~ in detail. A
downwardly-extending edge 136 of casLng 30, together wnth the outside contour of annular groove 84 of ~alve seat 82 defines a pocket in case 30 in w~ich the end of hoDk 134 is disposed. H3ok 134 is nevertheless deformable, whereby edge 102 n~y be forced into cavity 138 define~ ky hoDk ~34 in casing 3D. Edge 136 of casing 3D is preferably slightly lGwer than the protruding edge of hook 134, as shown in Fi~. 28.
Figs. 29 and 30 shcw the engagement of the balloon ~y the entire casing, and by the hook 134, respectively, in a m~nner simular ~o Figs. 21 and 22.
T~e device of ~he invention is preferably nDlded from plastic and is both durable and inexFensive. With the exception of menbrane 54 f all paIts of ~he devi oe are preferably injection m~lded in plastic~
Membrane 54 ~ay be a ~ransparent or substantially transparent plastic sheeS ~ and is preferably provided with promotional indicia on the inward facing side thereof. ~or exam~le, advertisin~ m~terials, cartoon characters or the 1ike may be provided ~n m~mbrane 54, 12 ~z;~3~33 possibly incl~ding some indicia for the depressable por~ion such as the buIb~us nose of a clown or the like.
T~e device of the invention is safe due to the balloon-retention hook, ~alve ~ody capti~e design and pr~tective tabs. T~e devi oe is also ~ ~nsioned such th~t it cannot be inhaled ~r s~llowed. The device is nevertheless quite dependable, and also inexpensive.
T~e inventi~n having been discl~sed in detail, additional Varia$iQn Will occur to pers~ns skilled in the art to w~ich the invention pertaLns. Reference should be made ~o the appended claims rather than the foregoing specification as indicating the true sccpe of the subject invention.

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Claims (15)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A valve for insertion in the neck of a toy balloon, comprising:
- a casing having a balloon-engagable first end and a user-accessible opposite end, the casing defining a flow path and having an internal annular surface defining a valve seat, the casing being flared at the user-accessible end to form a trumpet, the casing supporting the balloon at the first end when placed with the trumpet on a support surface, and the trumpet having a large diameter with respect to a child's mouth and remaining portions of the casing;
- a valve body disposed in the casing and movable between a closed position in which the valve body rests against the valve seat to seal the flow path, and an open position in which the valve body is moved away from the valve seat to open the flow path, the valve body being biased by gas pressure to the closed position when the balloon is inflated; and, - a resonant reed mounted in the casing and operable to emit a noise in response to flow.

2. A valve for insertion in the neck of a toy balloon, comprising:

- a casing having a balloon-engagable first end and a user-accessible opposite end, the casing defining a flow path and having an internal annular surface defining a valve seat, the casing being flared at the user-accessible end to form a trumpet, the casing supporting the balloon at the first end when placed with the trumpet on a support surface, and the trumpet being large with respect to a child's mouth;
- a valve body disposed in the casing and movable between a closed position in which the valve body rests against the valve seat to seal the flow path, and an open position in which the valve body is moved away from the valve seat to open the flow path, the valve body being biased by gas pressure to the closed position when the balloon is inflated;
- a resonant reed mounted in the casing and operable to emit a noise in response to flow; and - a membrane substantially closing the user-accessible end of the casing, the membrane having at least one air flow opening and the membrane being manually depressible against the valve body.

3. The valve of claim 1, wherein the reed is disposed at the balloon-engagable end of the casing, whereby the valve body is confined between the reed and the valve seat.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising at least one protective tab mounted to the casing and extending across the balloon-engagable end thereof.

5. The valve of claim 1, wherein the casing is formed in two pieces, the pieces being rigidly attached, and a first of the pieces comprising means for mounting the reed, a second piece comprising the trumpet, the valve body being captive between the first and second pieces.

6. The valve of claim 1, wherein the balloon is of a type having an enlarged rolled end, and further comprising a hook attached to the casing and forming a restriction with the casing for engaging said end, the restriction being narrower than the end, whereby the end must be resiliently deformed when engaged by the restriction, the restriction holding the balloon against complete ejection or the casing from the balloon.

7. The valve of claim 3, wherein the valve body has an annular flange resting against the valve seat in the closed position, the seat having an annular groove of complementary dimensions, the annular flange and annular groove forming an air-tight seal.

8. The valve of claim 7, further comprising a viscous, non-drying seal compound disposed in the annular groove.

9. The valve of claim 8, wherein said seal compound is grease.

10. The valve of claim 2, wherein the membrane is slotted to form a central portion depressable against the valve body and a peripheral portion displaceable outwards by action of air flow.

11. The valve of claim 10, wherein the membrane is substantially transparent and indicia is printed on an inner side of the membrane.

12. The valve of claim 10, wherein the casing is threaded adjacent an edge of the trumpet, the membrane having an opening aligned with the threads, whereby the casing may be carried upon a stick threaded into the casing.

13. The valve of claim 10, further comprising a cleat for engaging a string, mounted on the casing.

14. The valve of claim 10, further comprising an endless ribbon of stretchable plastic material affixed to the casing.

15. The valve of claim 10, wherein the casing, valve body, reed and trumpet are axially aligned.